Far too often we allow our plans, our desires, our will to get in the way of what God wants to do in our lives. Just ask Jonah what the consequences can be if we decide to run from His plan for our lives, or inquire of Jacob what the results may be if we try to accomplish God's plan by doing it our way and on our timetable. I think you'll find they would agree, we need to write down our plans in pencil, but allow God to write them in ink.
Jer 29:11-12 - For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. (NIV)
Lk 22:42 - ...not my will, but thine, be done.
Jas 4:14-15 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
We don't need to sit around on our bums just hoping that God's will is done, rather we need to make prayerful decisions for our lives: what career will I choose, who will I marry, what will be my place in the kingdom? However, these plans need to written not in ink, not as a permanent, uncompromising position, but rather they should be written in pencil. Set, but ready to be erased and changed as God sees fit. We need to hand over the pen of our lives to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ, and let His will be done in our lives...
